I met Lee in the first week of September 1971, the week after her 11th birthday. It was the day that we both started Secondary school and we ended up in the same class.
We didn't really get to know each other for a while but in 1973, for a brief time she was my girlfriend. This was when "going out" with someone was a) asking them if they'd "go out" with you and then b) putting your arm around them in the playground, so yes, at the height of Glam rock, we were going out even though we never got to....well y'know...go out.
After this brief eclipse, we sort of drifted apart and never had much to do with each other.
When I left school, I heard that she was with a guy a couple of years older than us and strangely, he had the same surname as me and the same initial.
I didn't see Lee until about 1985 when I was doing some shopping and pushing my son around in his pushchair. We had a brief chat where I learned that she, like me, was married and we now had the same surname.
I didn't see her again until 5 years ago. It was while I was in the store where my son worked at the retail park by Fort Dunlop in Birmingham, waiting to pick him up. We had another chat and I discovered that she had been married for 10 years and was now divorced.
The next time I saw her was 2 years later and strangely, it was in the next store along at the same retail park. This time we were both divorced and we had another chat and she told me the road that she lived in.
Afterwards, I thought about her a lot and regretted not asking her if she fancied getting together just for a coffee or something. I figured she wouldn't be interested but almost to exorcise the regret, I found out her house number using a tip which appears as early as page 3 in Stalking for Dummies. Yes, I headed to the city centre to trawl the electoral roll. To be honest I thought it was a bit creepy, but I sent her a letter anyway giving her my number if she ever wanted a chat. I said that I didn't expect to hear from her, so maybe we could just bump into each other again in another 2 years at the next store along from the previous 2 encounters.
Of course I heard nothing, but thought about her occasionally.
2 years later, I found myself at the retail park again and had an unbelievably overwhelming feeling that she was going to be there in the store I had mentioned. As I headed there the feeling got stronger and when I got there it was unbelievable. She was nowhere to be seen.
I drove home thinking of the letter I sent 2 years before and I was listening to something on the radio in the car about marriage. The guy was saying that people only get married so that they can have the same name. He suggested that people should only go out with each other if they had the same surname to save on the paperwork. As Lee had the same surname as me, it made me think of her again.
About 10 seconds later, my phone went, and after 2 years, there was Lee on the phone asking if I was still up for going out sometime. I couldn't believe it. We had only just missed each other at the store as she had been there around the same time. It seemed a bit weird. I told my daughter about it and all she kept saying for the rest of the journey was "Omens!"
About 10 days later, we went out for the first time and haven't looked back since. It's like it was meant to be.
And so I found myself dazzling Lee up the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Valentines day with a diamond ring.
But you'd already guessed there'd be a happy ending hadn't you?
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 6:13 am
by chonsigirl
Oh my gosh, what a story Uncle! Blessing and happiness to you both!:-4
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 6:23 am
by Sheryl
Congrat's Uncle Kram! :-6
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 6:24 am
by spot
There aren't many like you, that's certain.
We all insist on invites to the wedding.
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 6:32 am
by Pheasy
It sounds like it was just meant to be. Congratulations to you and Lee. :-6:-6
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 6:33 am
by Imladris
Krammie!!! All the ladies at FG's hearts just broke!
I'm really, really pleased for you and Lee, she's a lucky woman to have those knees of yours on a permanent basis.
:D:D:D:-4:-4:-4
When's the wedding???
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 6:36 am
by Kathy Ellen
WOW Kram:-4
I'm soooo happy for you and Lee.....you deserve the best....
Congrats:-6
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 7:09 am
by Jerry
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 7:56 am
by Chezzie
Oh Wow, fabulous story which gave me goosebumps and made my heart do one of them skippetybumps..:-4
Truly is Fate that your going to get married and I wish you both all the best of luck and happiness in the world x:-4
Somebody is getting married
Congratulations on your engagement
An urge en route to a merge
A move to secure love that lasts
Push beyond the crazy past
Get set for an exciting future
To open many new doors
Love indeed is a beautiful thing
It will make the heart happily sing
Take away life's troublesome sting
Fill your heart and blessings bring
Love brings delight to everything
Celebration, joy, and jubilee
Love opens blind eyes to see
Enables you to be all you can be
Makes the weak arise victoriously
Love surpasses lustful sensuality
Lust terrorizes tumultuously
Merely taking gratuitously
Love however beautifully
Gives and enables you to live
It endures and doesn't walk out
Love is is tender and not proud
It's motives pure and never cloud
The concept of selflessness
To yield to love's eternal bliss
As it honors, it breathes new life
Rids relationships of deadly strife
It possesses grace and self-control
True love makes the soul whole
Far more exciting than the Super Bowl
Love never wearies, nor takes a toll
Love resurrects hope deep within
It is honest and truthful without spin
Love makes friends family and kin
It wonderfully welcomes you in
Love is heaven kissing the earth
Love always powerfully gives birth
Love rectifies many evil wrongs
Love revolutionizes and transforms
Love conquers peaceably every storm
Transcending, elevating, and elating
Kind and compassionately suffering
Resting and never smothering
Nurturing, protecting, and mothering
Love is always most encouraging
Therefore this day, I rejoice with you
As you prepare to tie the knot
You have certainly got a lot to do
Don't be concerned or needlessly worry
Amazing love will see you through
Write your love story and comfort you.
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:22 am
by Patsy Warnick
I Love It
Happy in Love is a wonderful feeling Kram - Congrats.
Thanks for Sharing your Story - Loved it..
Patsy
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:25 am
by koan
Congratulations!
Wonderful news :yh_dance
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:48 am
by WonderWendy3
That brought tears to my eyes Krammy!! :-4:-4
What a wonderful story for a wonderful MAN....Immy is right...I'm one of the heart-broken, but oh so happy for you and Lee!!:-4
Congratulations!:-6
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:52 am
by cherandbuster
:-4 I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER FOR ONE OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE PEOPLE!! :-4
with much love
Cher (and Buster is standing on his hind legs, as he, too is very happy for you :p)
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 9:49 am
by moonpie
Wonderful story, congratulations.:-6
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 9:59 am
by Betty Boop
Congratulations Mark, I'm so pleased you've found bliss with Lee, you deserve it mate!
What a wonderful story, it puts me in mind of the saying I came across recently:
"Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale" - anon
:-4:-4:-4
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:07 am
by CARLA
Uncle Kram I got goose bumps reading that story. I'm so very happy for you both. It was to be I have no doubt about it. Isn't life grand sometimes such a love story that you only see in movies. :-4
I know you both will live happily ever after. :-4
Betty you got that right.
[QUOTE]"Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale" - anon[/QUOTE]
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:15 am
by theia
Congratulations and love to you both
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:17 am
by minks
Oh Congratulations Kram, all the best to you and your gal, what wonderful news.
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:40 am
by sunny104
Congratulations!!!! :-6
I'm soooooo happy for you and Lee!! :yh_hugs :-4
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:57 am
by cherandbuster
. . . and when is the BIG DAY? :-4
Are you still saving yourself for the wedding night, Krammy? :p
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 11:03 am
by Carl44
well done buddy :-6:-6
you do know that she is a birmingham city fan right???? :-3:-3
just kidding i'm glad your happy buddy :-6:D
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 11:42 am
by valerie
Never did I think I'd read "Eiffel Tower","Valentine's Day" and "Diamond
ring" in the same sentence.
Couldn''t happen to a nicer guy, for sure.
Congrats!
:-4
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 12:41 pm
by kayleneaussie
awwwwwwwwwwww I have tears in my eyes, how beautiful. Congratulations and all the very best for the future.:-4 BUT I want to be flowergirl ok:D
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 12:48 pm
by flopstock
You just gave the rest of us hope.
thank you and congrats!:-4
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 12:58 pm
by abbey
What beautiful ending to a lovely story.
Karma :-4
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 1:49 pm
by mrsK
That is fantastic news Unc.
I am so happy for both of you:-4:-4
Like Val said couldn't happen to a nicer person.
Best wishes to you both:-4:-4:-6
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 1:53 pm
by pinkchick
Uncle Kram;778829 wrote: I met Lee in the first week of September 1971, the week after her 11th birthday. It was the day that we both started Secondary school and we ended up in the same class.
We didn't really get to know each other for a while but in 1973, for a brief time she was my girlfriend. This was when "going out" with someone was a) asking them if they'd "go out" with you and then b) putting your arm around them in the playground, so yes, at the height of Glam rock, we were going out even though we never got to....well y'know...go out.
After this brief eclipse, we sort of drifted apart and never had much to do with each other.
When I left school, I heard that she was with a guy a couple of years older than us and strangely, he had the same surname as me and the same initial.
I didn't see Lee until about 1985 when I was doing some shopping and pushing my son around in his pushchair. We had a brief chat where I learned that she, like me, was married and we now had the same surname.
I didn't see her again until 5 years ago. It was while I was in the store where my son worked at the retail park by Fort Dunlop in Birmingham, waiting to pick him up. We had another chat and I discovered that she had been married for 10 years and was now divorced.
The next time I saw her was 2 years later and strangely, it was in the next store along at the same retail park. This time we were both divorced and we had another chat and she told me the road that she lived in.
Afterwards, I thought about her a lot and regretted not asking her if she fancied getting together just for a coffee or something. I figured she wouldn't be interested but almost to exorcise the regret, I found out her house number using a tip which appears as early as page 3 in Stalking for Dummies. Yes, I headed to the city centre to trawl the electoral roll. To be honest I thought it was a bit creepy, but I sent her a letter anyway giving her my number if she ever wanted a chat. I said that I didn't expect to hear from her, so maybe we could just bump into each other again in another 2 years at the next store along from the previous 2 encounters.
Of course I heard nothing, but thought about her occasionally.
2 years later, I found myself at the retail park again and had an unbelievably overwhelming feeling that she was going to be there in the store I had mentioned. As I headed there the feeling got stronger and when I got there it was unbelievable. She was nowhere to be seen.
I drove home thinking of the letter I sent 2 years before and I was listening to something on the radio in the car about marriage. The guy was saying that people only get married so that they can have the same name. He suggested that people should only go out with each other if they had the same surname to save on the paperwork. As Lee had the same surname as me, it made me think of her again.
About 10 seconds later, my phone went, and after 2 years, there was Lee on the phone asking if I was still up for going out sometime. I couldn't believe it. We had only just missed each other at the store as she had been there around the same time. It seemed a bit weird. I told my daughter about it and all she kept saying for the rest of the journey was "Omens!"
About 10 days later, we went out for the first time and haven't looked back since. It's like it was meant to be.
And so I found myself dazzling Lee up the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Valentines day with a diamond ring.
But you'd already guessed there'd be a happy ending hadn't you?
Uncle Kram - ya just made me cry!:o
There is a match that was meant to be if ever I saw one
I wish you both every happiness - I'm chuffed to bits :-4:-4
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 2:06 pm
by Jerry
Here is a video for the two of you. Enjoy and may God Bless your marriage.
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 2:25 pm
by along-for-the-ride
Congratulations, Uncle Kram.
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 2:49 pm
by weeder
Wonderful wonderful news Uncle Kram. I know your a very nice man. Lee is a lucky woman. Much love and best wishes to you both. Im glad I was here to read this.
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:35 pm
by Nomad
Im not sure how to word what I feel, Im extremely happy for the both of you of course (well especially you) but theres something else Im feeling I cant quite pinpoint.
Its kind of a calm and serene "knowing" that transcends any words I can put down here.
I guess if I were standing in front of you Id hug you and you would understand. So Ill just leave it there.
I would say good luck but no luck is needed.
I'm getting married !
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:44 pm
by along-for-the-ride
Nomad;779197 wrote: Im not sure how to word what I feel, Im extremely happy for the both of you of course (well especially you) but theres something else Im feeling I cant quite pinpoint.
Its kind of a calm and serene "knowing" that transcends any words I can put down here.
I guess if I were standing in front of you Id hug you and you would understand. So Ill just leave it there.
I would say good luck but no luck is needed.
You big teddy bear.........
Now go see about your toe!
I'm getting married !
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:00 am
by Uncle Kram
Thanks guys for all the heartwarming comments. I was quite surprised actually, that considering I'm a bloke, I was very moved by some of them. Oh dear....I've gone all soft
First drinks on me Brian
I'm getting married !
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:43 am
by kazalala
Uncle Kram;779639 wrote: Thanks guys for all the heartwarming comments. I was quite surprised actually, that considering I'm a bloke, I was very moved by some of them. Oh dear....I've gone all soft
First drinks on me Brian
Congratulations Uncle Kram, i wish you all the happiness in the world, forever!:D:D
I'm getting married !
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:49 am
by WonderWendy3
Uncle Kram;779639 wrote: Thanks guys for all the heartwarming comments. I was quite surprised actually, that considering I'm a bloke, I was very moved by some of them. Oh dear....I've gone all soft
First drinks on me Brian
I won't do it....I'll be good.....really I will! :sneaky::)
:-4:-4 to Krammy!!
I'm getting married !
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:04 am
by pantsonfire321@aol.com
Congratulations, i wish you many many years of happiness :-6:-6
I'm getting married !
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:07 am
by Uncle Kram
cherandbuster;778975 wrote: . . . and when is the BIG DAY? :-4
Are you still saving yourself for the wedding night, Krammy? :p
Haven't decided where or even when - just letting it all sink in after a hectic week.
The ring wasn't the only surprise I had for Lee. I'd spent between 200 & 300 hours since I learned how to use Photoshop last August, producing a 64 page book entitled "Our First Year in Pictures". It looked really good when it arrived and reduced her to tears on Valentines Day. I might save myself for the wedding night being the well-behaved chap that I am.
I'm getting married !
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:11 am
by Imladris
Krammie, you are such a romantic!!! What a lovely thing to do.
BTW. If holding out for the wedding night becomes a strain I'm compiling a list of willing volunteers to help out...... :sneaky:
I'm getting married !
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:22 am
by Uncle Kram
Imladris;779676 wrote: Krammie, you are such a romantic!!! What a lovely thing to do.
BTW. If holding out for the wedding night becomes a strain I'm compiling a list of willing volunteers to help out...... :sneaky:
Please ensure that Spot and Nomad aren't on the list.
I was once described by my ex as "the least romantic man on the planet". She went crazy when she found out I'd proposed on the Eiffel tower, moaning that I'd never been romantic before etc. She said that she hoped that Lee takes me for everything she can. I thought "Oh, just like you did?" She's also told my daughter that Lee will be "taking all her money" :rolleyes:
5 years on and she's still a spiteful piece of work, but she aint raining on my parade.
She's unhappy that Im happy, and I'm happy that she's unhappy :wah:
I'm getting married !
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:32 am
by Elvira
Stunning story - La Tour Eiffel is one of the most romantic places. particularly when it's all lit up with sparkling lights at night time.
Congrats!
I'm getting married !
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:57 am
by Imladris
Uncle Kram;779686 wrote: Please ensure that Spot and Nomad aren't on the list.
I was once described by my ex as "the least romantic man on the planet". She went crazy when she found out I'd proposed on the Eiffel tower, moaning that I'd never been romantic before etc. She said that she hoped that Lee takes me for everything she can. I thought "Oh, just like you did?" She's also told my daughter that Lee will be "taking all her money" :rolleyes:
5 years on and she's still a spiteful piece of work, but she aint raining on my parade.
She's unhappy that Im happy, and I'm happy that she's unhappy :wah:
It just goes to show that your ex was not the woman for you, Lee brings out the romantic side of you, lucky woman.
I'm glad you've got to a point that your ex can no longer spoil your life.
I'm getting married !
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:37 pm
by mrsK
LOVE IS IN THE AIR (John Paul Young)
Love is in the air
Everywhere I look around
Love is in the air
Every sight and every sound
And I don't know if I'm being foolish
Don't know if I'm being wise
But it's something that I must believe in
And it's there when I look in your eyes
Love is in the air
In the whisper of the trees
Love is in the air
In the thunder of the sea
And I don't know if I'm just dreaming
Don't know if I feel sane
But it's something that I must believe in
And it's there when you call out my name
(Chorus)
Love is in the air
Love is in the air
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Love is in the air
In the rising of the sun
Love is in the air
When the day is nearly done
And I don't know if you're an illusion
Don't know if I see it true
But you're something that I must believe in
And you're there when I reach out for you
Love is in the air
Every sight and every sound
And I don't know if I'm being foolish
Don't know if I'm being wise
But it's something that I must believe in
And it's there when I look in your eyes
I'm getting married !
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 1:30 am
by Tater Tazz
Congrats!!!!
I'm getting married !
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 3:33 am
by Uncle Kram
Here are the covers and some pages from Lee's book
Attached files
I'm getting married !
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 3:35 am
by Uncle Kram
....and some more
Attached files
I'm getting married !
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:34 am
by G#Gill
What a lovely story Krammy ! All the very best to you and Lee - such a fairy tale !
You can be rightly very proud of all your efforts in producing such a lovely and very personal book - 'Our first year in pictures' - such a brilliant idea, and something for you both to treasure for the rest of your days !
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
I'm getting married !
Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 12:19 pm
by Bez
What can I say Mark..........I'm just so happy for you both. It's the best news I've heard for months. She's a lucky girl ! :-4:yh_hugs xxx
I'm getting married !
Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 3:45 pm
by buttercup
She's pretty hot, way to go Krambo
I'm getting married !
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 3:59 am
by Uncle Kram
This was taken just a few moments before I popped the question
Attached files
I'm getting married !
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 12:42 pm
by chrisb84uk
Ah how wonderful, I'm so delighted for you both!! I truly wish you both many, many happy and fun years to come together! :-6 :-4